Steam laundry machine

ABSTRACT

A steam laundry machine for washing or drying laundry using steam is disclosed. The steam laundry machine includes a drum to store the laundry, a steam generating device to generate steam, and a control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select courses and a steam option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a point of time at which steam is supplied to the drum during operation of the course selected by a user.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0081825 filed on Aug. 14, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a laundry machine, and more particularly, to a steam laundry machine which washes or dries laundry by use of steam.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Laundry machines generally include washing machines to wash the laundry and laundry dryers to dry the washed laundry. Hereinafter, the laundry and the washed laundry will be commonly referred to as laundry for convenience of explanation.

In particular, a drum type washing machine, which is added with a steam generating device for supplying steam to the laundry so as to enhance washing ability and reduce energy consumption, has been recently spotlighted. In addition, various researches and developments for removing wrinkles or odor from clothes by adding a steam generating device to a laundry dryer, especially to a drum type laundry dryer, to supply steam to the laundry, are being currently made.

A steam function of a drum type washing machine will be briefly explained as follows.

Steam is a gas phase of water, and is hotter than 100 degrees Celsius in a standard condition. Accordingly, if steam is supplied into a drum, a temperature in the drum or a surface temperature of the laundry can be increased in a very short time. Through such a steam effect, activation of detergent can be promoted, and a high temperature atmosphere can be easily made only by low energy consumption.

If a temperature drops, steam is changed again into a liquid phase. Accordingly, steam also has an effect of supplying moisture to the laundry. A particle size of steam is much smaller than a particle size of sprayed water. Therefore, if steam is used to supply moisture to the laundry, it is possible to evenly supply moisture to the laundry by the very small amount of water. Further, concentration of moisture supply on a specific portion of the laundry can be prevented.

In a washing machine having such a steam function, because an ambient temperature in a drum or a temperature of the laundry can be rapidly increased, cloth wetting at the beginning of a washing process is promoted, and washing ability is enhanced through effects of activating detergent and easily removing stains. Further, when compared to a washing machine configured to boil washing water in a tub, a washing machine using steam can remarkably save energy on the same performance. Thus, a drum type washing machine having a steam function (hereinafter, referred to as “steam drum washing machine”) is being currently spotlighted.

Such a steam drum washing machine is provided with a control panel for interfacing with a user. That is, a user can select a desired washing course by manipulating the control panel.

However, the conventional control panel was not constituted so as to satisfy various user's demands for steam in the currently spotlighted steam drum washing machine. In other words, there was no choice but to automatically perform a steam process, in which steam is supplied to a drum, according to a washing course programmed in advance by manufacturers.

In this regard, development of an improved steam drum washing machine, which enables a user to more easily use steam and can satisfy various user's demands for steam, is required.

Also, development of an improved laundry dryer using steam is required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a steam laundry machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a steam laundry machine which enables a user to more easily use steam and can satisfy various demands for steam.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a steam laundry machine which enables a user to select a mode in which a steam process is performed in various washing or drying courses, or enables a user to select a point of time at which the steam process is performed in the various washing or drying courses. That is, the steam laundry machine enables a user to select a point of time at which the steam process is performed, as well as whether the steam process is performed or not.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a steam laundry machine which enables a user to select a mode in which a steam process is performed in a rinsing process, thereby more effectively achieving the rinsing process.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a steam laundry machine which prevents a user from erroneously manipulating a control panel related to steam, thereby preventing a waste of energy and damage on the laundry due to steam abuse.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a steam laundry machine comprises: a drum to store laundry; a steam generating device to generate steam; and a control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select courses, and a steam option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a point of time at which steam is supplied to the drum during operation of the course selected by a user.

Preferably, the steam option selection part is constituted to be selected before the course selected by a user is performed.

At least one of the courses may be a steam inclusion course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum is automatically performed. Preferably, when the steam inclusion course is selected, the steam option selection part is not activated.

At least one of the courses may be a steam exclusion course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum is unable to be performed. Preferably, when the steam exclusion course is selected, the steam option selection part is not activated.

At least one of the courses may be a steam selection course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum can be performed. Preferably, when a user selects the steam selection course and the steam option selection part, the steam process is performed.

The steam selection course may include a washing process or a rinsing process. Preferably, the steam selection course includes both the washing process and the rinsing process. Preferably, the steam option selection part is constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the washing process or the rinsing process.

According to various user's demands for steam, the steam process may be needed in at least one of the washing process and the rinsing process. To achieve this, the steam option selection part may include: a steam washing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed during operation of the washing process; and a steam rinsing option selection part provided separately from the steam washing option selection part and constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed during operation of the rinsing process.

In accordance with another purpose of the invention, a steam laundry machine comprises: a drum to store laundry; a steam generating device to generate steam to be supplied to the drum; and a control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select a steam selection course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum can be performed, the steam selection course including a rinsing process, and a steam rinsing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the rinsing process.

Preferably, the steam rinsing option selection part is constituted to be selected before the steam selection course is performed. Preferably, when a user selects the steam rinsing option selection part, the rinsing process includes a warm-water rinsing process in which laundry is rinsed by warm water.

Preferably, the steam process is performed before, in the middle of or after the warm-water rinsing process. This is for enhancing a warm-water rinsing effect through steam and also for enhancing a steam effect through the warm-water rinsing. Preferably, the rinsing process is terminated in a cool-water rinsing process in which laundry is rinsed by cool water, so as to protect laundry, because there are many cases such that the dehydrating process is performed right after the rinsing process.

Preferably, when a user selects a steam inclusion course in which the steam process is automatically performed or a steam exclusion course in which the steam process is unable to be performed, through the course selection part, the steam rinsing option selection part is not activated.

The steam option selection part, such as the steam rinsing option selection part, may be formed in a button shape, and the course selection part may be formed in a dial knob shape. The control panel may further include an LCD window to display a subject selected through the course selection part and the steam rinsing option selection part.

In accordance with a further purpose of the invention, a steam laundry machine comprises: a drum to store laundry; means for supplying steam to the drum; and a control panel for interfacing with a user, the control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select a steam selection course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum can be performed, the steam selection course including a washing process and a rinsing process, a steam washing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the washing process, and a steam rinsing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the rinsing process.

In accordance with yet another purpose of the invention, a steam laundry machine comprises: a drum to store laundry; means for supplying steam to the drum; and a control panel for interfacing with a user, the control panel including a process selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process and a drying process is performed, and a steam option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum is performed in the process selected through the process selection part by a user.

Preferably, the steam option selection part includes a steam washing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the washing process, and a steam rinsing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the rinsing process.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view illustrating a laundry machine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the laundry machine shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a front view of a control panel of the laundry machine shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention associated with a steam laundry machine, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a laundry machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing 110, a tub 120, a drum 130, a steam generating device 210, and a temperature sensor 150. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a drum type washing machine as an exemplary embodiment.

The housing 110 forms an exterior appearance of the drum type washing machine, and is formed with an opening 111 at its front surface, through which the laundry is put into, the housing 110.

The housing 110 is mounted with a door 140 at a position adjacent to the opening 111 to open or close the opening 111, and is mounted with a gasket 112 on an inner peripheral surface of the opening 111 to seal a space between the door 140 and the opening 111.

A washing water supply pipe 113 is provided in the housing 110, so as to supply washing water into the tub 120, which is provided inside the housing 110.

A heater 122 may be mounted in a space on the bottom of the tub 120 to heat the washing water supplied into the tub 120.

A drain passage 121 is connected to the bottom of the tub 120 to discharge the washing water.

A drain pump 123 is mounted in the drain passage 121 to forcibly discharge the washing water.

The drum 130 is rotatably mounted inside the tub 120, in such a manner that an opening of the drum 130 faces the opening 111 of the housing 110. The laundry is stored in the drum 130, and is washed or dried.

The drum 130 is formed with a plurality of through-holes 131 on its peripheral surface, through which the washing water supplied into the tub 120 can flow into the drum 130.

The steam generating device 210 is configured to supply the predetermined amount of steam into the tub 120 and/or the drum 130. One or more steam generating devices may be provided.

The steam generating device 210 generates steam by heating water, and supplies the steam into the tub 120 and/or the drum 130. Specifically, the steam generated from the steam generating device 210 is supplied into the drum 130 through a steam supply pipe 220.

The steam supply pipe 220 is connected to the tub 120, and the steam supplied into the tub 120 can be supplied into the drum 130 through the through-holes 131. In such a case, if there is water on the bottom of the tub 120, a steam effect may be deteriorated due to the water. In this regard, it is preferred that the steam supply pipe 220 is connected to an upper portion of the tub 120.

The steam supply pipe 220 may directly communicate with the interior of the drum 130. As shown in FIG. 1, such a connecting structure can be achieved by passing the steam supply pipe 220 through the gasket 112.

The steam generating device further includes an injection nozzle 230 to inject the steam moving through the steam supply pipe 220 into the tub 120 and/or the drum 130. Here, it may be possible to directly pass the injection nozzle 230 through the tub 120 or the gasket 112.

The injection nozzle 230 has a nozzle shape capable of smoothly spraying the steam. Further, it is preferable to pass the injection nozzle 230 through the gasket 112 so that an injection end of the injection nozzle 230 is directed toward the interior of the drum 130. The steam of high temperature and/or high pressure can be supplied to the laundry stored in the drum 130 through the injection nozzle 230.

The temperature sensor 150 is mounted in a space on the bottom of the tub 120, near the heater 122. The temperature sensor 150 serves to sense a temperature in the tub 120.

The temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 150 may be used to control the operation of the steam generating device 210, or may be used to control a temperature of the washing water in the tub 120. In other words, if there is washing water in the tub 120, the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 150 is used to control a temperature of the washing water. On the other hand, if there is no washing water in the tub 120, an ambient temperature in the drum 130 is measured through an ambient temperature in the tub 120, and as a result the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 150 is used to control the operation of the steam generating device 210.

The drum type washing machine further comprises a control panel 300 for interfacing with a user. It is preferred that the control panel 300 is positioned at a front upper portion of the housing 110, in order to enable a user to easily get access to the control panel 300.

A controller (not shown) is mounted inside the control panel 300 to control the operation of the drum type washing machine. That is, if a user inputs a command for operating the washing machine by manipulating the control panel 300, the controller controls the operation of the drum type washing machine according to the preset program.

A non-described reference numeral 161 denotes a washing water supply pipe to supply washing water into the tub 120, and a reference numeral 162 denotes a water supply pipe to supply water for steam generation to the steam generating device 210. The steam generating device 210 is separately provided from the tub 120. Thus, because the water supplied to the steam generating device 210 is separated from the washing water supplied into the tub 120, the washing water containing detergent is not supplied to the steam generating device 210.

Non-described reference numerals 163 and 164 denote valves to open or close lines of the washing water supply pipe 161 and the water supply pipe 162, respectively.

In the above description, the laundry machine provided with a specific type of steam generating device, i.e., which stores the predetermined amount of water and generates steam by heating the stored water, has been explained. However, the steam generating device applied to the laundry machine according to present invention is not limited to the above-described specific type of steam generating device.

For example, a pipe type steam generating device, which is configured to generate steam by heating water flowing through a pipe-shaped body, may be applied to the laundry machine according to the present invention.

For another example, the steam generating device may be substituted by a device, which is configured to supply moisture to heated dry air and supply the moisture and the heated air together into the drum (in the strict sense, the mixture of the moisture and the heated air cannot be called steam). It could be understood that such a device generates steam from a microscopic point of view, and generates damp air of high temperature from a macroscopic point of view. In an aspect of supplying moisture and heat into the drum, if not particularly considering effect and efficiency distinguished from steam, the above device may sufficiently substitute the steam generating device.

Also, the above device may be easily applied to a drying device of a general laundry dryer, in which moisture is supplied into a duct, through which air flows, by means of a heater and a fan. Detailed illustration and explanation thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the steam generating device applied to the laundry machine according to the present invention includes a device for supplying damp air of high temperature, as well as a device for supplying steam.

Hereinafter, the control panel of the laundry machine according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control panel 300 includes a course selection part 310 for enabling a user to select courses, and a steam option selection part 360 for enabling a user to select a moment at which steam is supplied into the drum.

Here, the “course” refers to a series of operational processes from the start to the automatic end. For instance, a “standard course” of the various washing courses refers to a course by which the washing machine operates in order of a washing process, a rinsing process and a dehydrating process and terminates the operation. Except for a specific case, once a user selects one of the courses, the washing machine is operated as programmed in advance. Concrete operational conditions are differently set according to the respective courses. For example, the courses are programmed with respectively different total course operating time, the number of revolutions of the drum, combinations of sub-processes and so on.

As shown in the drawing, the course selection part. 310 may be configured as a dial knob, so that a user can select a desired course by rotating the dial knob. The steam option selection part 360 may include a plurality of buttons, so that a user can select a desired moment, at which a steam process is performed, by pushing one of the buttons.

The courses may be diversely provided according to the kind of laundry machine, material of the laundry, the degree of staining, specific purpose, etc.

In a drum type washing machine, the courses may include a steam exclusion course 313, a steam selection course 312 and a steam inclusion course 311. Theses courses are related to a steam process, in which steam is supplied into the drum.

The steam exclusion course 313 refers to a course in which the steam process is automatically excluded. For example, the steam process is excluded in order to prevent damage to the laundry, especially delicate clothes made of silk or wool, due to steam. Also, when intending to wash the bulky laundry, such as bedclothes, the steam exclusion course 313 is selected.

The steam inclusion course 311 refers to a course in which the steam process is automatically included. That is, the steam process is automatically performed during the course operation. For example, the steam inclusion course 311 may include a steam cleaning course and an allergy-care course for removing allergy-inducing substances by use of steam. In many cases, the steam inclusion course is programmed in advance so that the course can be performed under the optimum conditions.

The steam selection course 312 refers to a course in which the steam process is selectively performed by the user's selection. For example, the aforementioned standard course does not cause laundry damage due to steam but can get an effect of enhancement of sterilization and washing ability using steam. Thus, the standard course can be defined as the steam selection course.

The steam exclusion course, the steam inclusion course and the steam selection course may respectively include at least one course. The laundry machine according to the present invention does not necessarily include all of the steam exclusion course, the steam inclusion course and the steam selection course.

As described above, the courses may include sub-processes. For example, at least one of the washing process, in which the laundry is washed by using water and detergent, and the rinsing process, in which the laundry is rinsed by using water, may be included. The courses may include the dehydrating process, in which the laundry is dehydrated, and may also include the drying process, in which the laundry is dried by supplying dry air into the drum.

A user can select a desired course through the course selection part 310.

However, a user cannot arbitrarily select the operation of the laundry machine so that the steam process is performed during the course operation, through the course selection part 310. This is because the steam process is automatically excluded or included by the course selection, or only the steam selection course is selected.

In this regard, it is preferred that the control panel 300 of the laundry machine according to the present invention further includes the steam option selection part 360 so that when a user selects the steam selection course 312 through the course selection part 310, the steam process can be selectively performed by the user's selection.

Preferably, the steam option selection part 360 gets activated only when the steam selection course 312 is first selected. This is for making it impossible for a user to select the steam process through the steam option selection part 360 without selecting the steam selection course 312. The activation of the steam process may be visibly displayed to a user through lighting of light emitting diodes (not shown).

As described above, the steam inclusion course 311 may be programmed in advance so as to include an optimum steam process. Thus, if the steam process is individually selected by a user, the optimized function cannot be performed, and energy consumption is increased by unnecessary use of steam. Also, if the steam process is separately selected in the steam exclusion course by a user, the laundry may be damaged by steam.

In order to prevent user's erroneous manipulation, it is preferred that the steam option selection part 360 is set to be converted into an activated state or an inactivated state as needed. It is more preferred that the activated or inactivated state of the steam option selection part 360 is displayed to a user through a display means such as an LCD window 350. For instance, if the steam exclusion course is selected, the information of that the steam process cannot be performed in this selected course is displayed to a user through the LCD window 350. Also, if the steam inclusion course is selected, the information of that the steam process is automatically performed in this selected course is displayed to a user through the LCD window 350. Also, if the steam selection course is selected, the information of that the steam process can be selected in this selected course is displayed to a user through the LCD window 350.

Preferably, it is constituted such that the steam option selection part 360 is to be selected before the selected course through the course selection part 310 is performed. That is, it is preferable to constitute such that the steam process is performed prior to the course operation. In such a case, first, a user selects a desired course through the course selection part 310 and selects whether to get the steam process performed through the steam option selection part 360. Then, a user pushes a start button 330 to start the operation of the laundry machine. However, it may be possible to constitute such that the steam option selection part 360 is to be selected even after the course is started (e.g., even after the start button 330 is pushed).

More preferably, the steam option selection part 360 is constituted to enable a user to select a point of time at which the steam process is performed during the operation of the selected course. That is, as described above, the steam option selection part 360 is constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed at a specific point of time of the steam selection course.

Here, the above specific point of time may include a plurality of divided points from an operating time of the course. In a case where the course includes a plurality of sub-processes, the above specific point of time may include points at which the respective sub-processes are performed.

For example, in a case where the course includes the washing process, the steam option selection part 360 may be constituted so that a user can select whether the steam process is performed in the washing process. In a case where the course includes the rinsing process, the steam option selection part 360 may be constituted so that a user can select whether the steam process is performed in the rinsing process.

Through such a steam option selection part 360, a user can select a mode so that the steam process is performed at a desired point of time. For example, a user can select a mode so that the steam process is performed in the washing process for more effective washing using steam, or can select a mode so that the steam process is performed in the rinsing process for more effective rinsing using steam. As such, a user can utilize the steam process in various ways through the steam option selection part 360.

In very many cases of washing machines, the steam selection course includes both the washing process and the rinsing process. Accordingly, the steam option selection part may include a steam washing option selection part 361 and a steam rinsing option selection part 362. The steam washing option selection part 361 and the steam rinsing option selection part 362 may be separately provided. The steam washing option selection part 361 is constituted so that a user can select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the washing process during the operation of the course. The steam rinsing option selection part 362 is constituted so that a user can select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the rinsing process during the operation of the course. In other words, through the steam option selection part, a user can select a specific point of time at which the steam process is performed, and can select whether the steam process is performed at the specific point of time.

Similarly, in a case where the laundry machine according to the present invention is a washing machine having a drying function or a laundry dryer, a user can select a mode so that the steam process is performed in the drying process for drying the laundry by supplying dry air into the drum. In such a case, the steam option selection part 360 may further include a steam drying option selection part 363.

The steam process in the drying process serves to remove or smooth out wrinkles by supplying moisture to the laundry. In addition, the steam process serves to remove or decrease static by supplying the proper amount of moisture to the laundry. When a user selects a course including the drying process through the course selection part 310, a user can select a mode through the steam drying option selection part 363 so that the steam process is performed at the operation of the drying process.

By manipulating the steam option selection part 360, a user can select a specific point of time at which the steam process is performed and whether the steam process is performed at the specific point of time. In order to more securely assist user's recognition, it is preferred that the LCD window 350 displays a subject selected through the steam option selection part 360. For example, when a user selects the steam washing option selection part 361, the LCD window 350 displays information, of that the steam process is performed in the washing process, to a user.

The steam option selection part may be constituted so that a user can select an operating time of the steam process, i.e., a steam supplying time, as well as a point of time at which the steam process is performed. Also, the steam option selection part may be constituted so that a user can select the steam supplying amount. As such, the steam option selection part may be constituted so that a user can select diverse steam conditions.

Through the steam rinsing option selection part 362, a user can select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the rinsing process, and also can select the steam supplying amount. For example, in a case where the steam rinsing option selection part is formed in a button shape, if a user pushes the steam rinsing option selection part 362 once, a mode may be selected such that the steam process is performed in the rinsing process and the minimum amount of steam is supplied in the steam process. If a user pushes the steam rinsing option selection part 362 twice, a mode may be selected such that the medium amount of steam is supplied in the steam process. If a user pushes the steam rinsing option selection part three times, a mode may be selected such that the maximum amount of steam is supplied in the steam process. Finally, if a user pushes the steam rinsing option selection part four times, a mode may be selected such that the steam process is not performed. For user's convenience of use, a plurality of LEDs (not shown) may be separately provided to display the subjects which are selected according to the number of times of pushing the steam rinsing option selection part 362. Of course, the LCD window may be constituted so as to display the selected subjects.

As described above, through the steam option selection part according to the present invention, a user can select whether the steam process is performed or not, a point of time at which the steam process is performed, and other diverse steam conditions in the steam process.

It is preferred that when a user selects the steam rinsing option selection part 362, the rinsing process includes a warm-water rinsing process in which the laundry is rinsed by warm water. The steam process may be selectively performed before, in the middle of or after the warm-water rinsing process. This is for enhancing a warm-water rinsing effect in the rinsing process and also enhancing a steam process effect.

In the warm-water rinsing process or the steam process, residual detergent or stains are more effectively removed from the laundry by increasing an ambient temperature in the drum and a temperature of the washing water or the laundry. If the steam process is overlapped with a cool-water rinsing process for a certain time, the effect of removing residual detergent or stains is deteriorated.

So as to more effectively rinse the laundry by loosening texture of the laundry, it is preferable to maintain a temperature in the drum at a high degree for a long time rather than to perform only the steam process or the warm-water rinsing process.

However, it is preferred that the rinsing process is terminated in a cool-water rinsing process in which the laundry is rinsed by cool water. This is because, for example, in a case where the dehydrating process is performed right after the rinsing process while texture of the laundry is loosened, there may occur a problem of damage to the laundry in the dehydrating process. Accordingly, it is preferable to contract texture of the laundry by performing the cool-water rinsing process before the dehydrating process. Also, if the course is terminated in the rinsing process, there may also occur a problem such that a user gets burned when taking the laundry out of the drum having a high inner temperature.

The control panel may further comprise a plurality of course option selection parts 340. The course option selection parts 340 may be constituted to enable a user to select options, such as washing, rinsing, dehydrating, a temperature of washing water, drying and so on.

For example, the washing option selection part may be constituted to enable a user to select diverse conditions, such as the number of washing processes, a washing process time, etc., in the course selected through the course selection part 310 by a user. The rinsing option selection part may be constituted to enable a user to select diverse conditions, such as the number of rinsing processes, a rinsing process time, etc. Alternatively, the washing option selection part may be constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which only the washing process is performed, separately from the course selection part 310. The rinsing option selection part may be constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which only the rinsing process is performed, separately from the course selection part 310.

That is, the course option selection parts 340 may be constituted to enable a user to change the conditions (e.g., a temperature of washing water) in the course or the conditions (e.g., the number of washing processes) in the sub-process of the course. Besides such a function, the course option selection parts 340 may be constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which only a desired process is performed independently. In the latter case, the course option selection part 340 is preferably called a process selection part.

For example, if a user desires a mode in which the laundry is just rinsed, a user can select this mode through the rinsing option selection part. In such a case, a user can select a mode, through the steam rinsing option selection part 362, in which the steam process is performed in the rinsing process.

Accordingly, the course selection through the course selection part 310 is not necessarily a premise of the mode selection through the steam option selection part 360. That is, after selecting the course, through the course option selection parts 340, so that only a specific process of the sub-processes in the course is performed, a user can select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the specific process.

A non-described reference numeral 320 denotes a power button of the laundry machine.

The steam laundry machine according to the present invention enables a user to more easily use steam, and can satisfy various demands for steam.

Further, the steam laundry machine enables a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the various washing or drying courses, or enables a user to select a point of time at which the steam process is performed in the various washing or drying courses. That is, a user can select a point of time at which steam is supplied, as well as whether steam is supplied or not. Accordingly, a degree of practical use of steam and user satisfaction are increased.

Further, a user can select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the rinsing process, thereby more effectively achieving the rinsing process.

Still further, since a user is prevented from erroneously manipulating the control panel related to steam, a waste of energy and damage to the laundry due to steam abuse can be prevented.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A steam laundry machine comprising: a drum to store laundry; a steam generating device to generate steam; and a control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select courses, and a steam option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a point of time at which steam is supplied to the drum during operation of the course selected by a user.
 2. The steam laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein the steam option selection part is constituted to be selected before the course selected by a user is performed.
 3. The steam laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the courses is a steam inclusion course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum is automatically performed.
 4. The steam laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the courses is a steam exclusion course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum is unable to be performed.
 5. The steam laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the courses is a steam selection course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum can be performed.
 6. The steam laundry machine according to claim 5, wherein when a user selects the steam option selection part, the steam process is performed in the steam selection course.
 7. The steam laundry machine according to claim 6, wherein the steam selection course includes at least one of a washing process and a rinsing process.
 8. The steam laundry machine according to claim 7, wherein the steam option selection part is constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the washing process or the rinsing process.
 9. The steam laundry machine according to claim 7, wherein the steam option selection part includes: a steam washing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed during operation of the washing process; and a steam rinsing option selection part provided separately from the steam washing option selection part, the steam rinsing option selection part being constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed during operation of the rinsing process.
 10. The steam laundry machine according to claim 9, wherein when a user selects the steam rinsing option selection part, the rinsing process includes a warm-water rinsing process in which laundry is rinsed by warm water.
 11. The steam laundry machine according to claim 1, wherein the control panel includes a process selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which at least one of a washing process, a rinsing process and a drying process is performed.
 12. The steam laundry machine according to claim 11, wherein the steam option selection part is constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum is performed in the process selected through the process selection part by a user.
 13. The steam laundry machine according to claim 12, wherein the steam option selection part includes: a steam washing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the washing process; and a steam rinsing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select a mode in which the steam process is performed in the rinsing process.
 14. The steam laundry machine according to claim 12, wherein when a user selects the steam rinsing option selection part, the rinsing process includes a warm-water rinsing process in which laundry is rinsed by warm water.
 15. A steam laundry machine comprising: a drum to store laundry; a steam generating device to generate steam to be supplied to the drum; and a control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select a steam selection course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum can be performed, the steam selection course including a rinsing process, and a steam rinsing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the rinsing process.
 16. The steam laundry machine according to claim 15, wherein when a user selects the steam rinsing option selection part, the rinsing process includes a warm-water rinsing process in which laundry is rinsed by warm water.
 17. The steam laundry machine according to claim 16, wherein the rinsing process is terminated in a cool-water rinsing process in which laundry is rinsed by cool water.
 18. The steam laundry machine according to claim 15, wherein the course selection part is constituted to enable a user to select a steam inclusion course in which the steam process is automatically performed or a steam exclusion course in which the steam process is unable to be performed.
 19. The steam laundry machine according to claim 15, wherein the control panel further includes an LCD window to display a subject selected through the course selection part and the steam rinsing option selection part.
 20. A steam laundry machine comprising: a drum to store laundry; a steam generating device to generate steam to be supplied to the drum; and a control panel including a course selection part constituted to enable a user to select a steam selection course in which a steam process of supplying steam to the drum can be performed, the steam selection course including a washing process and a rinsing process, a steam washing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the washing process, and a steam rinsing option selection part constituted to enable a user to select whether the steam process is performed during operation of the rinsing process. 